Alumni

Plan Now to Sell - or Pass On - Your Business: A Seminar for Business Owners, Spouses, and Advisors

Entrepreneurial Roundtable

November 21, 2009: 8:15 AM - 3:00 PM

Join us as leading experts in various aspects of exit planning discuss the challenges that today’s business owners will face in the years ahead as they look to sell or pass on their firms and transfer wealth. In the next five to ten years, more than half of all established privately-held businesses are expected to change ownership and control. In the process, an estimated ten trillion dollars in wealth will be transferred, as the baby boomers reach retirement age. Some have called it the “Ten Trillion Dollar Opportunity.”

Where

Event Details

Probably, the biggest mistake that most business owners make is failing to plan for the sale or transition of their businesses. In the wake of the financial crisis, the need for business owners (their families and advisors) to plan for their exit has never been greater – even if your expected transition is years in the future.
Join us as leading experts in various aspects of exit planning discuss the challenges that today’s business owners will face in the years ahead as they look to sell or pass on their firms and transfer wealth. In the next five to ten years, more than half of all established privately-held businesses are expected to change ownership and control. In the process, an estimated ten trillion dollars in wealth will be transferred, as the baby boomers reach retirement age. Some have called it the “Ten Trillion Dollar Opportunity.”
However, the Ten Trillion Dollar Opportunity is being greatly complicated by the financial crisis and the recession. Due to the economic downturn and the difficulty of getting bank financing, the market for buying and selling businesses today is very weak. When the economy and bank financing return to pre-recession levels, it is certain that the market will be flooded with businesses for sale. How do business owners realize the full value of their businesses under such conditions – especially in light of the prospect of higher taxes, more government regulation and increased competition from abroad?
In this six-hour seminar, you will learn:
•The reasons you need to start planning for the transfer of your business and wealth
•The actions and timing steps to optimize your experience and wealth transfer
•Steps for increasing the value of your business today and when you sell
•How to preserve your legacy and the legacy of your family and business
•Tax and estate planning strategies to be implemented now for the future
•How private equity groups and other potential buyers analyze value
You will hear from experts in selling businesses, valuing companies, and tax and estate planning. You will also learn from former business owners about their experience in handling the sale and transition of their businesses, including why planning is so important. The principals of three of the leading private equity groups, including Tom Bagley, the dean of private equity in the Midwest, will discuss what they look for in their acquisitions. And WGN-TV news anchor Robert Jordan will talk about how to preserve the legacy of your business and your family.

Cost

$150 for public;$125 for Chicago Booth alumni/students/faculty
SAVE $25 if register by November 10th
(Register early -- Seminar is likely to sell out.)

Registration

Register OnlineSave $25 if register by Nov. 10th. Register early - only 50 seats available